In-depth Evaluation of the Olympus 9-18mm Lens
In the realm of wide-angle photography for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras, two popular options stand out: the Olympus M.Zuiko 9-18mm zoom lens and the Panasonic 8mm fisheye prime. Each offers unique benefits, catering to different shooting styles and use cases.
The Olympus 9-18mm lens covers ultra-wide to wide angles, equivalent to 18-36mm full-frame. This rectilinear zoom lens provides natural straight lines and wide compositions without extreme distortion, making it suitable for landscapes, architecture, and general wide-angle needs. On the other hand, the Panasonic 8mm fisheye lens offers an exaggerated, curved fisheye effect with a very wide field of view, equivalent to 16mm full-frame. This lens is ideal for creative, immersive, or artistic shots but less so for distortion-free imagery.
Field of view and perspective aren't the only differences between these lenses. The Olympus zoom has minimal distortion, maintaining straight lines, which is beneficial for architectural photography. The Panasonic fisheye offers dramatic barrel distortion inherent to fisheye optics, which can be desirable or distracting depending on intent.
Another key consideration is aperture and low light performance. The Olympus 9-18mm has a variable aperture around f/4.5-5.6, adequate for daylight but less ideal for low light or astrophotography. In contrast, the Panasonic 8mm fisheye usually comes with a wider aperture (e.g., f/1.8 from sources), allowing better low light and creative shallow depth of field shots, enhancing astrophotography and indoor use.
When it comes to zoom vs prime, the Olympus offers flexibility in focal length with its zoom capability (9 to 18mm), useful for varying framing without lens changes. The Panasonic is a prime lens with a fixed focal length, promoting simpler handling but less framing versatility.
Lastly, both lenses are compact and lightweight, making them popular among MFT shooters for travel and landscape photography. The Olympus 9-18mm, in particular, is a popular choice for micro four-thirds shooters due to its versatility.
For expert advice on these lenses and other underwater photography gear, contact Bluewater Photo & Video at (310) 633-5052 or email Kelli Dickinson, an industry expert and avid diver, at [email protected].
[1] Olympus M.Zuiko 9-18mm lens specifications: https://www.olympus-europe.com/en/cameras/lenses/m-zuiko-digital-ed-9-18mm-f4-5-8-ec/ [2] Panasonic 8mm fisheye lens specifications: https://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/lumix/lenses/micro-four-thirds/8mm-fisheye.html [3] Kelli Dickinson, industry expert on mirrorless cameras and housing options: https://www.bluewaterphotostore.com/about-us/ [4] Low light performance comparison: https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympus-m-zuiko-digital-ed-9-18mm-f4-5-8-ec/4 [5] Field of view and distortion comparison: https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-g-8mm-f3-5-fisheye/5
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